During this period, great advancements
were made as the automobile evolved from a "Horseless Carriage" to a
widely accepted means of transportation. Almost everything was an innovation, but here are some highlights:
- 2, 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engines
- steam and electric powered cars, as well as gasoline
- steering wheels, to replace the tiller
- windshields and gas headlights
- planetary transmissions, then sliding gear transmissions
- speedometers
- mufflers
- coil springs (Brush)
- mass production (Oldsmobile)
- interchangeability of parts (Cadillac won the Dewar Trophy for this)
- the moving assembly line (Ford)
- mother-in-law seats
- self-starter and generator (Cadillac)
- electric lights
- four wheel drive trucks
- two speed rear axle
- rear view mirrors
- left hand drive
- centre control gear shift
- closed body styles
- demountable wheels
- nickel plating
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